Lifebelt
A life ball is a water life-saving device . The most common areas of application are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, rescue competitions as well as lifeboats and other vehicles used in the water rescue service. The rescue ball is still used on board commercial ships. The use of a life ball is primarily taught and practiced during training for the life swimming badge in gold. In handling it corresponds roughly to the lifebuoy and the lifebuoy line . The buoyant part of a rescue ball is made of plastic or expanded polystyrene and is enclosed with a net for better handling . It is tied to a buoyant line (approx. 15–20 m) and, like the lifebuoy, is usually thrown to the casualty with a sling throw .
advantages
- easy handling by experienced rescuers
- easy maintenance
- no endangerment of the rescuer
- several casualties can hold on to the net
- quick help for the victim
disadvantage
- much practice and constant training is required
- The victim has to be conscious to hold on to the network
- limited operating range
- Cannot be used in surf
- is susceptible to wind